In 2010 the production costs of the world's 30 largest silver producers averaged $5.16 per ounce. Since 2002, silver-mining production costs have almost doubled. However, during that same time period the silver price has surged by around 650%, so that despite rising production costs, mining profits have been increasing. This year the global silver supply will probably exceed one million ounces for the first time in history, mainly owing to Chinese production; In 2010, Chinese silver production reached 102.7 million ounces and accounted for 16% of global silver production. Last year China became the world's third largest silver producer, after Mexico and Peru.

In 2010 the US Mint sold around 34.7 million ounces of silver. According to the 2011 Silver Yearbook by CPM Group, this accounts for approximately 46% of worldwide sales. Therefore, the US Mint continues to be the world's largest mint, and its Silver Eagle the world's favourite silver coin – followed by the Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich), which sold 11.4 million ounces of its famous Philharmonik silver coin last year. In comparison to 2009 Münze Österreich saw a 26% sales-increase.

The report also states that last year Mexico, Australia, China and Argentina raised their silver production, while the US, Canada and Peru reduced their silver production. In Peru this reduction was mainly due to miner-strikes, which have continued to hamper production this year. Other South American states such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile have also been affected by strikes. Miners are fighting for higher wages and improved healthcare. Another obstacle for the mining industry is that the population seems to be increasingly opposed to new mining projects. The inhabitants of the affected regions usually accuse the foreign mining companies of generating profits at the environment's expense. This local opposition has already led to the cancellation of some mining projects.

According to official data, the only countries that are currently holding silver stocks are the US, Mexico and India. All three countries together hold an estimate of 55 million ounces of silver. These silver stocks only account for 5.6% of today's global silver demand. Back in 1970 governments around the globe still held a total of approximately 355 million ounces of silver. During the last 40 years this volume has been drastically reduced, after the US Treasury decided in the 1960s to issuing silver coins as legal tenders. Most other governments have done likewise, reducing the need for silver stocks as monetary reserves.